Educational table



Aug. '12, 1958 R. J. MEYTHALER 2,846,783

EDUCATIONAL TABLE Filed Feb. 8, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

%,M MW v a ldd Aug. 12, 1958 R. JLMEYTHALER EDUCATIONAL TABLE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 8, 1957 I I illll lllll lllll I llll J I In ll/ @m B2 14,4 M wd EDUCATIONAL TABLE Robert J. Meythaler, Chicago, Ill.

Application February 8, 1957, Serial No. 639,110

7 Claims. (Cl. 35-.60)

This invention relates to an educational device and, more particularly, to a device having a relatively flat top surface suitable for drawing, writing, or the like, and which is capable of being readily adjustable to various angular positions to accommodate the convenience of the person using the device.

Various devices of this type have heretofore been pro posed which, however, because of their design, are beset with one or more shortcomings, such as: (a) the tops of such devices are incapable of assuming various angular positions, thereby restricting the utility of such devices; (b) the devices are of costly, complex and bulky construction; (c) the devices are not adapted for use by persons varying over a wide age range; or (d) the devices are not readily portable or capable of being disassembled.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a device which is not beset with the aforementioned shortcomings.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an educational device which is suitable for both home and schoolroom use.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a device which is sturdy and compact in construction and has a multitude of uses for young and old alike.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, a device is provided which comprises a supporting structure having spaced upright relatively fixed side members and a relatively fiat top section disposed intermediate said side members and hingedly connected thereto for disposition in a closed or open position with respect to said members. Each member is provided with an elongated slot disposed adjacent the rear end of said member and angular- 1y disposed with respect to a vertical axis. The slots in the members are in parallel relation with respect to one another and are adapted to slidably accommodate laterally extending pins carried on opposite sides of the top section. At least one of the side members carries an inwardly extending lug element disposed forwardly of the slot and about which the top section fulcrums when moved from the open to the closed position. The side members carry stop means disposed rearwardly of the slots and against which the top section rests when in its open position.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should now be had to the drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of the improved device, showing the top section thereof in closed position;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 1, with the top section thereof in its fully opened position;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 33 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

* nite States PatentOt 2346,73 Patented Aug. 12, 1958 ice Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to Figs. 1 and 2, one form of the improved device 10 is shown which includes a pair of elongated side members 12, and elongated front and rear members 14 and 16, respectively; the members are interconnected to one another by nails or other suitable means, to form a rectangular framework 17. Disposed across the top of framework 17, and spanning the distance between the side members 12, is an elongated member 18. As seen in the drawings, member 18 is positioned adjacent rear member 16 and is provided with an elongated groove 19 to accommodate pencils, chalk, brushes, etc.

Positioned forwardly of member 18, and intermediate side members 12, is a movable cover member 20. The cover member 20 is connected, in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter, to side members 12 to permit relative movement of the cover member through a predetermined sector, the end limits of which are when member 20 is in position A or B. When member 20 is in its down or closed position A, as seen more clearly in Fig. 1, the front portion 20a of the cover member 20 rests on and overhangs the upper edge 14a of front member 14.

The width, or cross dimension, of member 20 is slightly less than the spacing between members 12 and thus enables cover member 20 to be readily moved from open (B) to closed (A) position, and vice versa, without binding.

In the form of the improved device 10, shown in the drawings, framework 17 is subtended by a perforated bottom member 32, the perforations of which are provided, in this instance, for accommodating pegs, or the like (not shown), and thus provide a source of added entertainment and a means for improving the adroitness of the user, particularly when the latter is of a tender age. Member 32, if desired, may be omitted entirely, or take some other form, without departing from the scope of this invention. in addition, the exposed surface of bottom member 32, when cover member 20 is in position B, may be inscribed with various designs, or the like, to assist in playing various games.

As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, side members 12 are provided with ways, such as slots 24, disposed approximately 20 degrees to a vertical axis. Slots 24 are disposed forwardly of member 18 and substantially parallel with respect to one another. The angular and forward disposition of the slots may vary from that shown, depending upon the disposition and dimensions of certain other elements of the device to be described hereinafter.

Slots 24 are adapted to accommodate laterally extending pins or lugs 26 on the ends of a strip 21 secured to the rear edge portion 20b of cover member 20. The slots 24 are shown as extending entirely through members 12; however, this is not necessary. The only requisite of slot 24 in this regard is that it open to the inner surface 12a of member 12 to accommodate the end of pin 26.

Projecting inwardly from each member surface 12a and disposed forwardly of slot 24 is a lug or protuberance 28 (see Fig. 2). It is preferred, but not essential, that such a lug be provided on each side member 12. Lugs 28 are horizontally aligned with respect to one another and serve as a fulcrum for cover member 20 upon the latter being moved from'position B to position A. Once the undersurface 20c of member 20 contacts lugs 28, the pins 26, carried by member 20, are caused to ride up in slots 24. The inclination of slots 24 is such that as pins 26 ride up inthe slots, the rear edge portion 20b of the cover member 20 will be juxtaposed the front edge portion 18a of member 18. The lower end of slots 24 are disposed relative to the edge portion 18a, so that cover member 20, when in position B, will be at a convenient angle to facilitate using of member undersurface 200 as a drawing surface or as a support for a book or similar article. The front edge Zita of cover member 20 has mounted thereon a strip 23, which serves both as a stiffening member and a protection for the cover member.

Lugs 23; are disposed relative to the upper edge 14a of front member 1 so that cover member 20, when in position A, is substantially horizontal or inclined slightly downwardly from rearto front and, thus, enablesthe upper surface Zfid of member 20 to serve as a convenient drawing or writing surface, or asa support for a book or like article. Cover member 20, in the form of the device shown, is preferably of slate material and providing writing or drawing surfaces when member 20' is in either position A or B. it is to be understood, of course, that the type of material used for cover member 20 may vary, without departing from the scope of this invention.

While member 18 is shown in the drawings, and serves as a tray, as well as a back-support for member 20, when the latter is in position B, this member 18 may be omitted and a pair of inwardly projecting lugs (not shown) substituted therefor. Under this latter form of the device, cover member it) may be of greater length, if desired.

In the form of the improved device shown in the drawings, framework 1'7, cover member 20 and bottom member 32 cooperate with one another to form a storage compartment accessible only when cover member 20 is raised. However, as previously indicated, bottom member 32 may be entirely eliminated and front and/ or rear members l4- and 16, as well, in which case the device would serve merely as a table having a pivotally mounted top. The shape of the framework and cover member may be varied from that shown, if desired, to produce various artistic effects.

The device 16), illustrated in the drawings, includes a plurality of depending legs 22, the upper ends of which pass through suitable openings formed in bottom member 32, and are secured to the framework 17 by removable pins or screws 34. The manner of supporting framework 17 is not of importance as far as the improved device is concerned and, thus, legs 22 are merely shown by way of example.

Thus, it will be seen that an improved device 10 is provided which is possessed of. numerous educational and entertainment possibilities and may be utilized by persons varying over a wide age range. In addition, the improved device is of compact, sturdy and inexpensive construction and capable of being readily stored or transported, when desired. The improved device also affords an opportunity of eifectively utilizing both surfaces of the cover member for drawing, writing, painting, etc.

While a particular embodiment of this invention is shown above, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not to be limited thereto, since many modifications may be made, and it is contemplated, therefore, by the appended claims, to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. An educational device comprising a framework including a pair of relatively spaced side members having opposed surfaces provided with elongated ways arranged in substantially coextensive relation, a cover member disposed intermediate said side members and having portions thereof accommodated within and movable with respect to said ways, to effect movement of said cover member through a predetermined sector relative to said framework, first means carried by said framework and engageable by said cover member to define the end limits of said predetermined sector, and second means carried on said framework and disposed in spaced relation with said ways for engagement by said cover member when the latter is moving in one relative direction through said predetermined sector, and effect pivoting of said cover member about said second means as fulcrum and sliding movement of the accommodated cover member portions within said ways.

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2. An educational device comprising a framework including a pair of relatively spaced elongated side members having opposed surfaces provided with elongated ways arranged in substantially coextensive relation, each way being disposed adjacent a corresponding end of said side members, a cover member positioned intermediate said side members and having rearwardly disposed, laterally extending, portions thereof accommodated within and movable with respect to said ways to effect movement of said cover member through a predetermined sector relarive to said framework, first means carried by said framework and in spaced relation with said ways and selectively engageable by said cover member to define the end limits of said predetermined sector, and second means c; by said framework and disposed forwardly of said ways for engagement by said cover member, when the latter is moving in one direction, through said predetermined sector, and effect pivoting of said cover member about said second means of a fulcrum and sliding movement of the accommodated laterally extending cover member portions within said ways.

3. An educational device comprising a framework including a pair of relatively spaced elongated side members having opposed surfaces provided with elongated ways arranged in substantially coextensive relation, an elongated front member interconnecting said side mem' bers and disposed forwardly of said ways, a relatively flat cover member disposed intermediate said side members and having aligned laterally extending portions, adjacent the rear of said cover member, accommodated within and movable with respect to said ways to efiect movement of said cover member from a substantially horizontal position to a rearwardly tilted position, said front member being engaged by said cover member when the latter is in said substantially horizontal position, stop means carried by said framework and disposed rearwardly of said ways and engageable by said cover member, when the latter is in said rearwardly tilted position, and means carried by said framework intermediate said ways and said front member for engagement by said cover member when the latter is moving from said tilted position to said substantially horizontal position, and effect pivoting of said cover member about said latter means as a fulcrum and sliding movement of the accommodated cover member portions within said ways.

4. An educational device comprising a framework including a pair of relatively spaced elongated side members having opposed substantially parallel surfaces provided with elongated ways arranged in substantially coextensive relation and extending angularly upwardly, front stop means carried by said side members and disposed forwardly of said ways, rear stop means carried by said side members and disposed rearwardly of said ways, a relatively flat cover member disposed intermediate said side members and having aligned laterally extending projections accommodated within and movable with respect to said ways to effect movement of said cover member between a substantially horizontal position and an upright rearwardly tilted position, said front stop means being engaged by said cover member when the latter is in said substantially horizontal position, and said rear stop means being engaged by said cover member, when the latter is in said upright rearwardly tilted position, and aligned means projecting from said side member opposed surfaces and disposed forwardly of said ways for engagement by said cover member, when the latter is moving from said tilted position to said horizontal position, and effect pivoting of said cover member about said aligned means as a fulcrum and upward sliding movement of said projections within said ways.

5. An educational device comprising a framework including a pair of relatively spaced elongated side members having opposed substantially parallel surfaces provided with elongated, upwardly and angularly extending ways arranged in substantially coextensive relation, an

elongated front member interconnecting the front end portions of said side members, an elongated rear member interconnecting the rear end portions of said side members, and a bottom member interconnecting said front, rear, and side members; a relatively flat cover member disposed intermediate said side members and having aligned, rearwardly disposed side projections accommodated within and movable with respect to said Ways to effect movement of said cover member from a substantially horizontal closed position with respect to said framework to an open rearwardly tilted position, said front member being engaged by said cover member when the latter is in said closed position; stop means carried by said framework and disposed rearwardly of said ways for engagement with said cover member when the latter is in said open position, and aligned means mounted on and projecting from said side member opposed surfaces and disposed forwardly from said Ways and rearwardly of said front member, said aligned means being spaced from said bottom member and substantially horizontally aligned with the portion of said front member engaged by said cover member, said aligned means being engaged by said cover member, when the latter is moving from said open to said closed position, and effect pivoting of 6 said cover member about said aligned means as a fulcrum and upward sliding movement of said side projections Within said ways.

6. The device recited in claim 5, wherein the bottom member is relatively flat and provided with a plurality of perforations.

7. The device recited in claim 5, wherein the stop means includes an elongated tray member interconnecting said side members and disposed rearwardly of said cover member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 115,349 Palm May 30, 1871 143,804 Boyle Oct. 21, 1873 232,599 Crandall Sept. 28, 1880 629,416 Abernathy July 25, 1899 634,379 Tobey Oct. 3, 1899 1,406,592 Watkins Feb. 14, 1922 2,151,259 Young Mar. 21, 1939 2,502,026 Reens Mar. 28, 1950 2,689,157 De Censo Sept, 14, 1954 

